Health

In late fall, winter and early spring, Canadians frequently contract the flu and or the common cold. Because the symptoms are so similar, it is very difficult to distinguish one from the other.
However, flu symptoms generally last longer and are more aggressive. By comparing and contrasting the symptoms it is possible to determine which illness a person has.

The flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, which usually occur in the nose, throat, bronchus and sinuses, so they have very similar symptoms. However, the flu commonly presents a high fever. It can go over 40 degrees Celsius and occur suddenly in the early stage of illness. When a high fever occurs, it is often accompanied with the chills, muscle ache and headache. On the other hand, a high fever is extremely rare in colds.

Flu patients always suffer from fatigue and have difficultly performing everyday chores or work responsibilities. This condition continues throughout the illness and sometimes even for several days after. Whereas, the common cold only causes fatigue 20-50% of the time.

The flu virus is so virulent that gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur; however, these symptoms rarely occur with colds. Flu patients often think that they are suffering from food poisoning when they experience these symptoms.

Both cold and flu patients will have inflammation in their respiratory system causing a runny nose, coughing, and congestion in the chest and or sinuses.

Because the flu and the common cold share many of the same symptoms, it is important for the ill, especially babies, seniors and people with compromised immune systems and chronic diseases, to take a test to determine if they have a flu virus. When necessary, doctors will prescribe antiviral medicine to prevent further complications.